Newspaper Page Text
SfwwiaJ of the Coirtltutionultet-
FROM RICHMOND.
Richmond, Va., March 24, 1862.
The streets of Richmond under martial law pre
sent a different appearance from the streets of
mohmonditnder the rule of the civil authorities-
Formerly they were filled with drunken rowdies,
and idle soldiers; it was impossible even for gen
tlemen to walk out in the evening without being
insulted. Now every thing is changed. Under
the efficient rule of Gen. Winder, good, order has
been restored ; idle soldiers are arrested and sent
u> their camps; and as liquor of no description
can be procured, for love or money, every body,
from necessity, is obliged to keep sober Drunto
men now-a-davs are as scarce here as honest army
romractors in Lincolndom. The martin law is
rigidly enforced in every respect, and upon all
classes A few days since the wile of a gentleman
hgh in power, it is stated, sent'to Gen. W inder
fbra permit to get some wins. The General re-
neither she nor any other lady in the
citv could obtain such a license from him, or any
other man. Snies and traitors connot now, as
formerly carry on their infamous plans with im
nunitv Many of both classes are being arrested
duly Winder’s detectives are making Richmond
md vicinity a very unsafe locality for them to re
side in. Among the spies now in jail are two of
Lincoln’s Washington detectives; another is a
Captain of a New York company. The latter is
an engraver by trade, and came to this city about
two weeks since. He at once proceeded to the
Treasury Department, and procured a situation to
work upon plates for Confederate notes. The
next day he commenced business. But one of
Winder’s detectives thinking there was something
suspicious in his movements, arrested him. On
searching his trunk, a Captain’s commission in
hte Lincoln army and passports signed by Lincoln’s
General were found. A court martial is now in
session here. These men, together with a large
number of others, are to be tried. It is to be
hoped that rogues of this stamp will be con
demned to grace the end of a perpendicular rope.
They undoubtedly knew the doom of spies when
caught, before they left Lincolndom ; and their
death will serve as a warning to others. Besides
it will teach the Union traitors in our midst the
fate they may expect, unless they cease furnishing
information to the 8 ederals.
The evacuation ot Manassa, and other places
in Virginia was the best movement our Generals
could have made. Our troops now occupy a
stronger position than formerly—one that can be
easier detended, one where they can be promptly
reinforced if attacked. Gen. Johnstonjhas cut off
all communication between his army and the
outside world. This is as it should be. Every
General in the service should adopt the same
policy at once. It is a sure and effectual way of
preventing the enemy from obtaining any ipow-s
ledge of our plans. It may bear hard on those
who have friends in the army they wish to hear
from but our people ought cheerfully to submit
to any measure that will tend to advance and bene
fit our cause. Every sacrifice necessary should
willingly be made to secure civil liberty—the
liberty for which our forefathers fought, bled, and
died—the liberty the Northern despot and his
hordes are now trving to wrest from us,
The conduct of our Congress in some respects
has of late been very disgraceful—to say the least.
People generally supposed that the members of
that bodv were elected to pass laws for the benefit
of the country. Instead of so doing; they have
spent much time in quarreling over the amount
they should vote themselves for their valuable or
invaluable Services. Here is patriotism for you—
self sacrificing patriotism—patriotism that would
even disgrace a Federalist. Reflection should
cause the blush of shame to mantle the cheek, of
every legislator who forgets his country jn this
the fiour of her peril, and fritters away valuable
time in schemes of self-aggrapdisement How
beautiful a paragraph like this will read in future >
“ At the most critical crisis in the great American
revolution of 1861, the members of the Southern
Congress were discussing about the amount of
salarv thev should vote themselves for doing three
hours work a day—although at the time they
were receiving eight dollars a day for their ser
vices. They finally voted themselves a salary of
$2,760 a year—this, too, in the face of the fact
that many men more able and talented than
themselves were fighting the battles, of their coun
ter at a salary of about $l5O a year.”
Large bodies of troops passed through this city
yesterday and to-day. Our army ie being strongly
reinforced in some sections. It is stated that the
Federals are reinforcing their army in North Caro
li ■a. It is expected that another battle will take
place in that State soon. Gen. G. W. Randolph,
the new Secretary of War, entered upon his
duties to-day. Yours, Rambler.
rSpedal Correspondence Constitutionalist.]
LETTER FROM RICHMOND -
Richmond, Ya., March 25, 1862;
Late Northern papers announce the death of
Com. Buchanan, and appear to be very jubilant
over the matter. They will soon find out, how
ever, that in this instance, as in many others, they
have deceived themselves into believing a lie.—
The Commodore is not dead, but is rapidly recove
ering from the effects of his injuries. He was
wounded by a ball pas ß ing through the fleshy
part of the thigh. Com. Buchanan was one of the
bravest and most gallant naval officers in the old
service. In 1855, he was promotedjto the office of
Captain; and a short time before our present
troubles commenced, to the office of Commodore,
yip resigned, joined his fortunes with the South,
and received the same appointment in the Cons
federate Navy. His career under the old flag
won for him a well merited and enviable reputa
tion, and his first combat in the Confederate ser
vice has immortalized his name; it was the
grandest naval achievement that has ever been
recorded. Com. Buchanan is a native of Maryland,
and, like thousands of Lw patriotic sons in cur
midst, is ready to shed the last drop of blood in
his veins in defence of Southern soil.
The official report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury must prove satisfactory to ail. It shows that
the financial scheme adopted by the'Government
was an excellent one—supplying all its wants,
notwithstanding the expenditureshave been larger
than they were estimated at the commencement of
the war. It is also very gratifying to learn that
our credit is still unimpaired, and that we have
no floating debt. The expenses of the Govern
ment for me past year were only one hundred ana
seventy millions of dollars —less than one-third
of the sum expended by the Federals. While the
North, in its vain and fanatical efforts to conquer
us, has ruined itself, the South in providing
means of defence has spent less than the value oi
a single cotton crop. This fact alone ought to con
vince the Northern States of the utter uselessness
of their attempts to subjugate us, or o . aw us
into the whirlpool of bankruptcy, m which they
of “helpers here states that the Secretary
of War has received a letter from a.piom. n
Northern politician, in which it is averted that
unless some great disaster happens n -
Southern armies that the direct taxation b.h will
cause the Federals to abandon the w . TbP „
of this kind damage our cause “ajerially
induce our people to relax their efior v ; n( n c .
ly upon broken reeds. We are fighting a vindic.
tive people—a people whose insane g
the South knows no bounds—a peop “
fighting with desperation for exls *? ace- T ., v /now
determined to subdue us if possible. Th Y
the North is ruined forever unless they ac-. p
their purpose. How futile is it, then, to e I ‘
any aid or comfort from such a source,
the war commenced, we deluded ourselves
the belief that we should receive assistance ot
some sort from England or France, and this aeiu
sive spell has had an influence upon all our move
ments until recently. Now all hope of assistance
from abroad has vanished, and we are just begin
ning to find out that we must fight our battles
alone. If the South had relied solely upon Her
self from the first, she would know be in a ™ uc “
better condition to cope with her and
formidable adversary. But it is not too late to
remedy past errors. All that is needed is prompt
and decisive action on the part of our leader, and
a hearty co-operation on the part of our people.
The fact is, we shall f?bt have peace with the
North until we conquer them. Let us not, there*
fore longer rely upon foreign intervention or
trust to the dissensions of our foe«. Let us rather
rely solely upon ourselves. If events occur elses
where favorable to onr cause, so much the better
for us. There is an old saying, but not more old
than true, that the “ I>ord helps those who help
themselves..” us hereafter do what we think
is right, without any regard whatever to 'oreign
nations, and all will'eventually be well. Our late
reverses only ought to inspire our people to make
greater exertions.
A few days since a message was sent to Con
gress by the President, which was read in secret
session. Some of the important points have
leaked out. The President thinks that in our
efforts to defend every place, inland and seaboard,
wo have undertaken too much. This is true. No
nation on the face of the earth with our resources
and sea-coast, and with so bitter and powerful a foe,
could have done it. He also says that the valor
and devotion of the people have not “only sus
tained the efforts of the Government, but have
gone far to supply its deficiencies.” He also
thinks the war may continue a series of years ;
and claims that short enlistments have, in no
small degree, contributed to our recent reverses.
The House of Representatives spent much time
yesterday in discussing unimportant measures.—
This body of gentlemen are considerably behind
the age, and appear to be getting further in the
rear daily. One to read an account of their do
ings, would not even dream that this nation was
engaged in a bloody revolution, upon the issue of
which, depended the fate of civil liberty in this
country.
The ladies of Richmond have commenced col
lecting a gunboat fund. The druggists are re
fusing to sell liquors, even on a physician’s pre
scription. The Examiner states that Gov. Letcher
laid in a stock of twenty-five barrels of whiskey
for himself and friends before martial law was
proclaimed. No passports were granted yester
terday, and it is now said none will be granted for
some days, the rolling stock of the roads being
all in Government employ, transporting troops.—
The south and southwestern mails are very irregu
lar. Yours, Rambler
FROM THE
We clip the following paragraphs from the
Memphis (Tenn.) Appeal, of March 27th:
Disaster at Sea.—New Orleans, March 26.
The Confederate steamer Vanderbilt has founder
ed at sea between Havana and this city, or some
other southern port. She had many passengers
and a valuable cargo.
On the 25th inst., Capt. Smith, five of the crew
and eight passengers arrived safely on the Florida
coast.
Another boat with seventeen men had not been
heard from. D.
Dbs Arc, March 25.—The troops are gathering
in large numbers at Jacksonport and Pocahontas.
They are in the highest spirits, in prospect of im*
mediate service.
Gen. Van Dorn and Gen. Jeff. Thompson are
preparing for an early movement on some point
on the Mississippi river. With this force it is
considered the Mississippi valley is safe from the
enemy.
Thb Mississippi Vallby to be Defended.—We
learn from an officer whose position gives him
many facilities for obtaining correct information,
that Gen. Van Dorn is rapidly concentrating bis
forces, and will immediately move to Pocahontas.
His object is to move against New Madrid, and
assist in defending the great Valley of the Mis*
sissippi. It is far more important that we should
hold the Mississippi, than the hills and swamps
in Southwestern Missouri.
It may not be strictly proper to refer to move
ments of this character, but our military authorin
ties will see the importance of quieting the appre-*
hensions of the people of the Southwest. We
have never participated in the uneasiness felt by
many for the safety of the valley ; but that con
siderable alarm has prevailed in many quarters,
which it were well to allay, cannot be denied.—
Having arrested the further nrogress of General
Curtis in the wilds of the West, ve trust that
the gallant Van Dorn will be equally successful
in checking the movements of Gen. Pope at New
Madrid.
Since writing the above we have received a diss
patch from the West confirmatory of our intellir
gence, which will be found in our telegraphic
column.
From Ab»vb.—The steamer National, which ar*
rived here last night at 11 o’clock, from Fort Pih
low, brings the latest news from the river
above.
The Federal gunboats are still firing slowly on
our batteries at Island 10, at a long range and
without doing us any injury whatever. The re
port of two of their gunboats b ung sunk by oar
batteries is confirmed again. The Federals, it is
rumored, although not ascertained to a certainty,
are building flats at New Madrid, to aid in lands
ing a large body of troops on the Tennessee
shore.
We are glad to be able to announce to onr read*
era that the works at Fort Pillow are nearly com
pleted, and no apprehension need be felt ior the
safety of the Mississippi river.
From the Memphis (Tenn.) Appeal, .of March 28.
From Island 10.—We have a private letter from
Island 10, dated the 25th from which we make
the following extract:
We are all fafe here so far as the Federal gun*
boats are concerned. They are afraid to come ill
reach of our guns. We have already sunk one of
their boats; and another would sink if she was in
deep water. After she was fired into by a rico-t
chet, from Capt. Rucker’s battery, they run her
on to a bar, and have been working at her for
several days—trying to repnr her. They may
have repaired her, but they are unable to remove
her. Four or five of their gunboats, and several
transport boats have been pulling at her, but with
net success. They have abandoned her for the
present —she is said to be the Benton—the finest
boat in the wh»le fleet.
Capt. Rucker has completely immortalized him
self. But for his indomitable courage and energy,
the Island would have been taken. His battery
still stands readv to give the enemy fight.
Latbr.—Tne Grampus has just landed from the
opposite side of the river, and brings with her
three Missourians—one - s thought to be aLincoln
ite. They all report the boat which I speak of as
being oc the bar, as having been shot through,
from stem to stern, killing twelve men. They re
port also, that at the fight at New Madrid, we
killed over one thousand men.
This evening, the principal part of the gunboats
and all of the transport boats have gone out ot
sight, up the river. A few mortars and one gun
boat are remaining with the sunken boat on the
bar. This, however, will not make us lose our
vigilance in keeping a lookout for them.
shells which they throw at us, weigh from
190 to 200 pounds. One was thrown at Sterling’s
battery to*day, which did not burst. Col. Finnic
dug it up and weighedit. The weight was 190
pounds. He intends to bring it to Memphis,
provided he can get another and place them on
his gatepost. R. D. B.
On the 18th, the steamer Red Rover, tender to
the floating battery at Island 10, was perforated
by a forty pound piece of shell, which entered
her hurricane deck, and made a big straight line
of holes clean through everything to her bottom,
the timbers of which it sprung sufficiently to set
them leaking. The leak was soon stopped. No
body was hurt. _
DISTANCES ON THE MISSISSIPPI.
As the eye of the public is now turned to the
Mississinpi Valley, the following table will be
found of interest, as showing the distance be
tween the towns along the river, from St, Louis
to New Orleans:
Miles. Miles.
St. Genevieve6o Memphis7B
St. Mary’s Landing.. 12 Mouth of St. Francis. SO
Chester 8 He1ena.......10
Libertylo Mouth of White 84
Wilkinson’slo Napoleon2l
Cape Girardeauso Columbia6s
Commercels Princetonoo
Cairo2s Lake Providence.... 25
Columbus2o Vicksburg7s
Hickmanl7 Grand Gulfso
Island 1028 R0dbey........20
New Madridlo Mouth of Red River.. 6o
Point Pleasantl2 Bayou Sara3o
Tiptonville S Port Hudsonl
- 1412 Baton Rouge 23
Gayoso 8] Plaquemine.2o
Caruthersvillel2 ' Donaldsonville3s
Fort Pillow4s I New.Orleans78
GOOD NEWS FROM EDISTO-A WHOLE PAR
TY OF FEDERALS KILLED OR CAPTURED
Every day seems to prove that the guerilla
warfare is just the sort adapted to the cowardly
Yankee wretches who hang upon our shores, and
fear to meet us in open combat. The Palmetto
boys over the river are illustrating this fact almost
daily.
Through passengers by the Charleston Road,
we learn that the Federals suffered a sore discom
fiture on Edisto Island a day or two since. A
party of twentyatwo were quietly quartered m a
house on the Island, when a most unexpected
apparition appeared in the shape of a Confederate
scouting party. Approaching the building, the
Yankees were ordered to surrender, but arrogant
ly refused, when our men poured a volley of
bullets into the house, killing three of their num
ber and wounding a fourth. Not relishing this
hot work, the party threw out a white flag and
surrenderedat discretion. They were accord-'
ingly bagged and marched into the Confederate
camp, and are now, probably, in Charleston jail.
Such is the report as it reached here Saturday
night ; we have telegraphed for praticulars and
will annex them should they arrive in time.
Later.— From trust worthy gentlemen who came
over from the Confederate camp in South Carolina
yesterday, we learn the following particulars,
'which differ, as to circumstances, materially from
the first report:
Brigadier General Evans, of the South Carolina
orces, proceeded with 1,00 men, Saturday morn
ing last, to attack the enemy at North Edisto.
The force of ihe Confederates proceeded across
the causeway, Gen. Evans expecting to find tbe
enemy about 2,500 strong but they were between
5,000 and 6,000. The Confederates drove in the
pickets of the enemy killing one, mortally wound
ing two, and capturing twenty. The wounded are
not expected to recover. Our forces retired in
good order without receiving any damage.
Sav. Rep. March 31sL
A Brush in Carolina. — A rumor was brought
te the city by passengers on the Charleston Rail
road on Saturday last, stating that a party of
South Carolinians had attacked a Federal picket on
Friday last, on North Edisto Island, killing three,
wounding others and capturing about twenty.
Since the above has been in type we learn
from a passenger who arrived in this city last
evening, that the brush alluded to 18 correct. ——
The Carolinians surprised the Federals, who were
in a house, and took the whole party, with their
arms, together with three pieces of cannon. They
also took a quantity of new Federal uniforms.—
Our informant says he saw the Federals in
Charleston. One Carolinian was slightly wound
ed. The Carolinians found one Federal too sick
to be removed, and left him. Ail the captured
Federals are Germans.
The prisoners say that they were told that the
CaroHuians would not fight, and all they had to
do was to invade the State and take possession of
the property of its citizens, and that it would be
distributedjamong the Federal army.: These poor,
deluded fools have by this time learnt a different
lesson.
There are two Federal regiments of infantry on
North Edisto Island, together with a cavalry and
an artillery company. If we are not misinformed,
we will hear more from that point in a day or
two. — Sav. Horning News March Zlst.
Fort Pillow. —A camp correspondent of the
Mobile Tribune writes as follows :
Fort Pillow, where we are now encamped, is
on the Tennessee side of the Mississippi, about
twenty miles above Randolph and about eighty
five miles above Memphis. It is an immense eni
trenched camp, situated in the midst of the bil
liest of the Tennessee hills. The fortifications on
the river consist of.a rifle battery, (six 32 ponders,)
on the bluff and the water battery below, thirteen
32 pounders, smooth bore, and one 11-inch Colum
biad, now being mounted. A deep ditch, rampart
and a flue military road extend from the river on
front the right to the river front on the left, in the
form of a horse shoe, on the brow of the highest
hills, fully mounted with heavy cannon at the
salient angles ; some idea of the extent of which
may be formed by the fact that it would require
20,000 men formed in line of battle to cover its
circuit. In the rear, outside the ramparts, the
woods are not only cut but stripped of all limbs
for over 500 yards— and is again further strength
ened by an almost impassable morass, which
stretches; inwards and upwards of the river as far
as tbe eye can reach. The channel of the river is
within 100 yards of our batteries, and no boats,
of however light draught, can pass at a greater
distance.
It would seem impossible from the nature of
its defence that artillery could be brought to bear
on any point, and that well provisioned and gar*
risoned, it could hold out the whole ar
my and naw of the Lincolnites. It is under the
commandjof Brgadier-Geueral Withers, and
Gardiner is the Chief Engineer.
The plan of this imrriense stronghold was made
by Gen. Polk, the work of the rifle battery was
constructed under the direction of Capt. Waley
and the river battery under that of Capt. Jones,
The works have been now nine months in process
of erection, and 5,000 negroes were employed in
the works, and are now being rapidly completed
by Alabama and Mississippi regiments.
The Nashville Ladies.—ln further confirmation
of tbe refusal of the Nashville ladies to renew old
acquaintances with Federal officers who have
sought the privilege of visiting them, ;we copy
from the Atlanta Confederacy the following extract
from a private letter from one of the most charm
ing, intelligent and fascinating belles of that city,
to a lady friend in Atlanta. She writes :
Nashvillb, March 15, 1862.
The Yankees are thick as blackbirds in May
here now. I could annihilate them soul and body!
Thank Heaven there are no Union men here, and
the Yankees are very sorry to see how bitter eve
ry one is. The ladies, especially, give it to them
■ right and left. They have the audacity to call
j upon me, and I have the to send
I them word that I am a rebel, and, have no desire
\to see Vandals! When we meet them on the
i streets we invariably cross over, lower our veils
1 and hurrah for the Southern Confederacy. Gov.
Andy Johnson is now here. You should have
seen" the reception I gave to the arch fiend and
traitor when he attempted to speak to me yester
day. Be quickly discovered that his triend of
two years ago, and the person then before him,
I were quite different persons.
RYE COFFEE. '
To the Editor of the Chronicle de Sentinel : — An
extract in your daily of Tuesday signed L. J.
Roberts, M. D.. taken from the Lagrange Reporter,
contains two such grave errors, that we cannot
retrain from correcting them, particularly as many
persons who use rye as a substitute tor coffee,
might be frightened out of on innocent beverage.
The extract says : “The grain when burnt con
! tains fifty per cent, of phosphoric acid.” Now,
i unscientific people would suppose this to mean
i when parched. We suppose the Doctor intended
■ the ash of the grain. What is the true analysis
lof rye according to the best authorities ? 1,000
I pounds produces only lOj-tj pounds of ash : and of
■ this 10X pounds only 0,46 of a pound is prospbor-
I ic acid , not quite half a potiad to 1,000 pounds of
■ the grain, and not five per cent, of the ash instead
I oi upwards of 50 per cent, being not quite the one
fifth of one per cent, of the solid grain. Besides,
J the Doctor forgets that not one particle of the
earthy salts is probably held in solution by a
common weak decoction of the rye; and if the
whole grain was swallowed there would only be
the medium amount of phosphoric acid contained
m wheat and other cereals, just about enough to
make bene instead of destroying it.
The effects of rye, on tbe phosphoric acid in it,
on utero-gestation, is equally fallacious, and quite
as grave an error.
It is the ergot of rye that produce abortion, not
the common healthy grain used lor coffee. It is a
long black, stinking grain, easily distinguished
from the other, and only occunng under certain
i unsavorable circumstances. Tbe common rye,
lis quite as innocent as wheat or coffee in this
respect.
Will the papers (we have seen it m several.)
which published the extract, give this an inser*
tion ?
E- M. Pendleton, M. D.
N2?<izfa(Ga.,) MarchVith, 1862. i
He is happy whose circumstances suit his tem
per, but he is more happy who can suit his temper
to eircamstances,
Frem lhe ChArlerton Courier, March 81st-
ARRIVAL of YANKEE PRISONERS.
On Sunday morning eighteen more pnsoaera,
captured on Edisto Island, reached the city by
special train, on the Savannah Railroad, and were
lodged in jail, by order trom General Ripley.—
The news of their capture by a small force of our
o n troops from General Evans’ division was re
eved Saturday morning. The movement wh.ch
resulted successfully, was made p J r,da [.
Our men encountered the pickets of the em mv,
consisting of two companies of the 65th Pennsyl
vania regiment, between ‘hree and tour o c ock
Saturday morning, and after a 6h ® rt f k jJ ke 4
one and wonnding one, the balance of tbe P^ e
surrendered. But one of our
We ar# indebted to a young friend tb ® ™
lowing account of this during an 8 .„ o
Adams’ Run, S. C , March 29, 18 6 -.
Yesterday our gallant General (N. G. Bvans;
having received information tbe ene^’ y
posted in strong numbers on Edisto Island, ne
the cut which divides tbe Island from Jehossee,
determined to give them a surprise. Ne Isons
Battalhon, Moore’s Battallion, apart of the Hol
combe Legion, and a detachment of the Washing
ton Artillery, under Lieut. Salvo, were charge
with his important mission, ail under tbe com
mand of Geu. Evans. Tbe General, upon starting
in his usnal calm and dignified manner, address
ed his men a few words of cheer and good advice#
nd at dusk the Palmetto boys composing thie
little army were wending their way towards tn .
Yankee camp, wbist!ing;and singing as they weat
Thej - crossed over to Edisto about eleven or twelve
o’clock last night. This morning, at'early dawn
of day, they rushed upon the enemy. One w»s
killed outright, another wounded, and twenty-one
captured. We lost not a single man. Our boys
behaved bravely.
Onejof the prisoners taken says that there are
about seven or eight thousand ot the enemy on tbe
Island. When we remember this and the small
force on our side, tbe expedition proved a daring
one, weli contrived, and well executed.
Col. P. F. Stevens and Major Palmer were in
tbe fight.
Tbe following are the names of the prisoners
captured, with the name of tbe company and
regiment to which they belong :
Company F, 55tb Pensylvania Regiment.
First Lieutenant, McElhenny ; First corporal,
Sami. Morehead ; Privates, Noah Fisher, Nicholas
Cameron, Jno. L. Taylor, Westly Cameron, An
drew Fanen, Abraham S. Cox ; L. L. Thompson,
Robt. H. Kritzer, Sami. Campbell Jno. Steffey.
Company H, 55th Pennsylvania Regiment.
Privates, Jno. Werning, Thos. Lockard, Crest
ley Whitaker, Walter E. Garlinger, Jno. Mars,
Isaac Ream.
Our men having successfully accomplished tbe
object of tie expedition, returned Saturday to
camp.
From the Charleston Courier of April 1.
LATE FROM THE NORTH-
A gentleman who left New York city, on the
26th ultimo, arrived tn this place yesterday.
Nothing of striking importance had taken place
North of Mason and Dixon’s line.
The general opinion in New York was that the
rebellion waa about to be crushed, and that mat
ters would be restored to their old status,
Their was much activity in New York, and to a
stranger things appeared to be going on the same
as before the war, the streets being full of people,
and many of the hotels were doing prosperous
business.
Some of the merchants had made large sums by
the rise in imported articles which took place
on the increase of the Lincoln tariff, and one
house hae cleared one hundred thousand dollars
on a cargo of tea.
The steam frigate Roanoke and a new vessel,
called ihe Juniata, were to be iron clad, and al
though much was not said, vast efforts were un
doubtedly being made to increase the Yankee
iron steam fleet.
In Baltimore business was very dull, and the
city had suffered terribly by the present war, and
by tbe partial destruction of tbe Baltimore and
Ohio Rail Road, which had prevented her commu
nicating with the West-
The vast majority of Baltimoreans are intensely
Southern and they so express themselves every
where, but the city was kept in subjection by a
Lincoln garrison of twenty thousand men.
It was generally believed in Baltimore that
there would soon be a powerful attack on Nor
folk, that McClellan’s army which had crossed
over into Virginia, would speedily advance, and
that Burnside would try and force his way into
North Carolina, and if possible form a junction
with McClellan’s ferce.
At Fortress Monroe some large cannon were
being shipped to an unknown point, and a good
many vessels were lying around at anchor, some
being war vessels, and others apparently trans
ports, but there was no shipment of troops going
on.
The Monitor was lying at Fortress Monroe, out
of reach of the Merrimac, and the latter was in
Norfolk harbor, apparently ready for service.
Yaxksb Opinions of Southern Rams—The
bnd is not ybt.—The New York Evening Post
doesn’t like tbe present appearance of naval mat
ters. It evidently “smells a mice.” We take the
following from its issue of iho 15th instant:
The country has been called upon, day after day
for more than a month, to rejoice over the glori <
ous victories of its troops. Beginning with tbe
battle of Mill Springs, which was won in conse
quence of a rapid night’s march of Thomas’
forces through mud and sleet, and the spirited
charge of the Ohio regiments —following this up
by Foote’s daring gunboat assault upon Fort
Henry, and Grant’s three days’ wrestle with the
powerful fortifications of Donelson, and ending
with the brilliant struggle of Curtis, and Siegel
againt the combined Southwestern army, amid
the fastnesses of the Ozark Mountains, we have
beaten the Confederates under every variety of
circumstances, and compelled them to relinquish
nearly all the strong positions which they held.—
Almost any other people would have been driven
to an extremity of despair by such a series of
overwhelming reverses. Neverthelass, they con
tinue the contest, and their journals give out
cminious hints of great recoveries they
soon expect to accomplish.
We quoted yesterday, a passage from Davis’
message of February 27th to the same effect. He
said: “Nothwithstanding our very limited re
sources, the report of the Secretary will exhibit
to you a satisfactory position, in the preparation
and certainty of tbe near completion of vessels of
a number and class on which we may rely for
contesting the vaulted control of the enemy over
our waters.” This unquestionably refers to the
Merrimac and other steam rams which the Con
federacy had in preparation. Mr. Ellet in a com
munication printed in the Evening Post of Janu
ary 18th, had informed us that two of these were
getting ready at New Orleans, two at Mobile and
one at Norfolk, of which he supposed the
latter was the best.
On Saturday last we saw what that one could
do, how our best frigates proved but cock boats
before her, and how the timely arrival at Fort
ress Monroe ci the iron clad Monitor alone saved
the harbor and the blockade. But what is to
prevent the iron clad armadillos at Mobile and
New Orleans from doing similar damage? As
far as we know they can, the moment they are
ready, disperse the'bluvkade of both these ports,
and obtain practically a command of the Gulf.
We have no Monitors near those sections to ar
rive in the nick of time. Commodore Foote may
be in New Orleans before the rams are armed,
but he has two battles at least to tight before that
can happen, and until then we must trust to tbe
wooden ships, such as they are.
Return of the Second Georgia Battalion
Dispatches have been received, by which we learn
that tbe several companies composing it, *»iil
leave Goldsboro’, N. C., on the 15tb mat., aud be
disbanded in Macon on the 20th,
This Battalion is composed of Macon Vn’wn*
teers, Capt. Smith, now under the command of
Lieut. A. G. Butts; Floyd Rifles, C»pt. Geo W.
Ross, of Macon; City Light Guards, Capt. Colquitt,
of Columbus; and Spaulding Greys, Capt. Doyal,
of Griffin.
It is hoped that these companies will meet the
receptions due them fortheir eaiiv tendering of
service in the field, and tbe faithful and creditable
performance in their dutieii.
Afacon (Ga.) Journal db Messenger. April 3.1
THE BATTLE OF KERNSTOWN.
A correspondent of tbe Richmond (V a .) Dis*
patch furnishes a graphic description of the recent
fight near Winchester, from which we make a few
extracts:
History scarcely records such a desperate stand
as our little army, under Gen. Jackson made
against the fearful odds of at least six or seven xo
one, from all the most reliable accounts received
Fropn every quarter the intelligence arrives that
the enemy numbered from eighteen to twenty
thousand or more, while our little Spartan band
in the field numbered not more than twenty-five
or twenty-seven hundred all told. Yet the victo
ry Was ours de facto for we fought the enemy till
the dusky evening showed the woods apparently
riven with ten thousand streams of lightning
fiercely flashing, we then fell back and retired
from the field, having piled the ground with the
fallen enemy in such numbers that they quailed at
tbe shock of the victory they claimed—sad vic
tory for the Northern army, indeed.
When we consider that our little a: my march
ed forty-six miles from Winchester within tea
days before, baggage trains and all, and then
made a forced march the next day and a half of
forty miles, arrived at tbe scene of action worn
down—and hungry; while the enemy wer fresh—
had all the advantage ground, a picked position,
and six or seven to our one, tbe wonderful flgbt
which our men made seems beyond all parallel.
Had the enemy been in our condition and
we in theirs, it is evident thaFtheir whole army
would have been overthrown. As it was, they
were repulsed three times.
Skirmishing commenced in the morning between
Col. Ashby’s and the Yankee cavalry, and con
tinued all day with successful defence upon our
part.
More gallant men than tbe fleid and staff offi
cers of the Ist Brigade never drew the sword,
perhaps, since man learned war. It seemed a
miracle that they were not all swept off by the
tremendous volleys of the enemy’s infantry le
their reinforcements of from three to four fresh
regiments each time arrived, till an immense
torrent of lead from an army of twenty thousand
men poured down upon them, and yet they
flinched not, but cooly gave three cheers and led
on the advance, and retired not till darkness cov*
vered the whole field of blood.
With such fighting, whatever the number of
our enemies, neither Virginia nor the Confeder
acy can be conquered. Odds may frequently
overpower, but simple brute force cannot con*
tinue to hold tbe posts gained for tbe moment.
When it requires an army of 20,000 men, simply
to overpower for tbe moment only some twenty
five or seven hundred Confederate troops, while
the enemy lost fifteen hundred or more, as is re
ported, iu an action of only two hours duration,
it is morally certain that they must ere long be
overwhelmed themselves in catastrophy, demor
alization and bankruptcy. Our loss is small in
comparison to that of the enemy.
As an eye-witness of that terrific fight at Kerne
town, let me say, that the self-possession and
mild courage of Col. Eehols ; the endurance, dar
ing and success of Col. Ashby; the unflinching
bravery of Gen. Garnett; tbe cool, determined
vallor of our ever-undaunxed Cols. Cummings and
Jones, and the resolute, active and ever soldier 6-
luxe conduct of Maj. Gen. Jackson, make them
the admiration of every true-hearted soldier, and
should kindle flames of patriotic fire iu the bosom
ot every lover of his country. We should be in*
spired with gratitude to God for their preserva
tion, with the safety of our little army; for
it was God that helped us in that awful hour o
battle. i
A private letter received yesterday evening
gives us the following particulars in regard to
this engagement :
“The fight was opened by the 27th regiment
on our side, and soon became general. The
enemy’s front was posted behind a stone fence,
from which they were twice diiven by our forces,
but were strongly reinforced each time and re*
gained their position. Those who were tn the
light say the havoc emong the enemy was terrir
bie, the distance between the contending forces
being not over 75 yards most of the time. From
what I can hear this has been a brilliant fight on
our part, and is rather to be considered a victory
than a defeat.
The 27th regiment suffered more severely than
any other, being in the advance. They met the
Ist bogus Virginia, and slaughtered them with
out mercy. One of our boys got the Colonel’s
horse. In the 27th Col. Echols had bis arm shat*
tered near the shoulder; Col. Grisby was wound*
ed slightly in the face; Capt. Robinson was taken
prisoner; Capt. Holloway killed; in tbe Shriver
Greys, (of Wheeling.) Robinson and Fredericks
were killed; Lieuts. Lunler, Rice, Shuky, Cracraft
and Lunz are missing.”
[communicated.]
COTTON PLANTERS MEETING IN TVLLASSEE,
ALA. ‘
Pursuant to previous notice, a number of the
cotton planters in and around TaPassee, met on.
the 22d inst.,and organized. On motion of Robert
T. Ashurst, Esq., by calling Rev. W. V. Burney
to the Chair, and appointing Isaac Ross Secretary.
The object of the meeting having been explained,
by the Chairman, the following preamble and
resolutions were submitted by him to the meeting.
The resolutions in their original form authorized
the planting cf as much as two acres of cotton to
the hand, but on motion of R. T. Ashurst, sec
onded by General James Gilmer, and forcibly
supported by both those gentlemen, two acres to
the hand was stricken out, and ‘‘no cotton” in u
serted in its place. The meeting, before it ad
journed, was quite unanimous in the opinion, that
the whole crop this year should be a provision
crop. Tbe idea of planting a fourth, fifth, or
even a tenth of tbe usual cotton crop, was thought
to be hazardous to the very .existence of our Gov- (
eminent, and earnestly repudiated. After the
passage of the resolutions, the following persons
were appointed by the Chair to attend to the pubs,
lisbmg the proceedings, and to procure pledges,
viz : Col. John P. M. C. Kenzie. C. Buckner, and
R. T. Ashurst, Esq.
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS :
Wherbas, our young Confederacy is now en
gaged in the most remarkable and bloody c ntest
known to tbe history of the world—a contest for
our dearest rights, our liberty, our property,
our very existence as an independent nation ; and
whereas, the States of Kentucky. Tennessee, and
Missouri, being now overrun in part by the vandal
hordes of tbe North, we can no longer look to
them as in times past, for provisions to sustain
our gallant army now m the Held nor feed their
families iettat home ; it therefore devolves on us,
the citizens of cotton growing States, most impera
tively, to give up entirely a cotton crop the pres
ent year, aud devote our whole foice to tbe culti
vation ot gram and vegetables; therefore be it,
Resolvea Ist, That we pledge ourselves to each
other and our suffering coujtry, that we will plant
no cotton for market the present year, and will
raise as much grain and vegetables as we possibly
can; and also, all kmds oi stuck, as tar as our
means and facilities will allow.
2d. That as we regard it of the utmosi impor
tance that there should be unanimity and concert
of action among ihe planters oi the whole of the
cotton States, tual the Chair appoint a committee
of three to procure os many pledges as they can
to our resolutions and to have the proceedings ot
the meeting as extensively practica
ble.
3d. That in the absence ot any legal enactment
compelling the people to give up a cotton crop,
we will hold any one who fails or iefuses to co
operaie m ibis movement, as a practicable distur
ber ot the Lai aiony and public sentiment of the
cuuuiry, auu mu enemy to her best interests, and
iu«i WU will lot countenance, nor permit Euch a
p aiu aiaiegaid of the claims of duty aud patriots
.sui. ev i*r »» we can prevent by all lawful and
duuoiaUie means, by any planter in our neighbor
hood.
4xll. That the Secretary furnish a copy of our
proceedings to the different public papers of the
State, with a request that ail others copy who
are friendly to the object.
T n c W.V. BURNEY, Charmaa. ;
Isaac Rcss, Secretary.
An individual was arrested ihe other day while
endeavoring to pick a gentleman’s pocket He
wasn’t used to the busines?, and was oulv'
trying to get his hand in. *